Planning a great summer doesn’t take a lot of money. Consider these ideas for frugal summer fun.

Summer is just around the bend. For us that means a lighter school load. We still do math and literature through the summer, but we go a little more relaxed about it. For other families, kids are home from school and the daily routine has changed.

I am always kinda taken aback when I hear parents complain about having their kids home for the summer. If this is you, help me understand. My mom never did that. Summer was a time when we went to the library, mooched swim invitations from friends and neighbors with pools, and made lots of lemonade. It was a fun time, that lasted way too short.

And yes, I know that’s improper grammar, but that’s how summer goes down in my memory.;)

I say plan to have fun this summer. You’ll have a great time with your kids, and you’ll be crying when it’s time for school to get back in gear.

Plan a regular weekly playday with friends and neighbors. It’s like summer camp, only cheaper. We’ve got lots of tips and ideas in the archives, or you can buy the Summer Survival Guide[6] to keep you set for the summer.

3. Get reading.

Find the free reading programs in your community and sign your kids up. Make sure your library card is readily available and start a list of books to read. We have lots of favorite books to read[7].

4. Plan for summer learning.

If your kids have expressed an interest in something — I have one who wants to cook all the live long day — find ways that they can learn that thing or get more practice at it. The library, YouTube, and your local rec center can be great sources to help you do this economically. Learning a new skill will keep your kids from being bored and make good use of their time off.

This is Frugal Friday. In an effort to make these weekly financial discussions more interactive, I’m no longer posting a link-up. Feel free to leave a link in the comments. But better yet, chat with us on today’s topic.